How Much Are Shutters?

Estate shutters are an investment—there’s no doubt about that. At an average cost of $2,990 installed, these window treatments are a classic, elegant option that can last for years. You’ll typically pay $20 to $40 per square foot for estate shutters, depending on how many windows you have, the size of your windows, and the material of your shutters. This project could cost as low as $1,282 or as much as $4,232. 

Shutter Pricing

Estate shutters cost anywhere from $20 to $45 per square foot to install, or about $70 to $350 per window, depending on the material you use and the size of the window the shutters are covering. 

Size

What size windows you’re covering will make the biggest difference on how much you pay for estate shutters, with the average cost running $45 to $420 per window. The bigger the window, the more you’ll pay for this treatment style. Faux wood shutters for a 16-by-20-inch window, for example, cost around $45, while real wood shutters for a 42-by-48-inch window cost $330. 

Material 

Material significantly influences the cost of estate shutters. Vinyl or PVC shutters fall on the lower end of the price range at $100 to $300 apiece, as opposed to real wood shutters, which cost $200 to $350 per window, on average.

Shutter Installation Cost Factors

On average, most homeowners will spend $100 to $200 per window to have a professional install estate shutters. This comes out to about $20 to $45 per square foot, but depends largely on your location, the level of difficulty, and your contractor’s overhead. 

Material Type

Vinyl or PVC shutters cost the least to install at $90 to $130 a pair, while faux wood falls in the middle at $150 to $180 a pair. Real wood shutters are the priciest to install at $250 to $300 a pair. 

Number of Shutters 

The more shutters you need installed, the more you’ll pay for installation. If you need estate shutters installed in your entire home, for instance, you could spend anywhere from $1,300 to $4,100, with an average cost of $2,700. If you’re installing shutters in eight windows, for example, you can expect to tack on $1,000 to $1,600 to your total. 

Location

The region you live in can impact the price of materials, especially if you live in a more populated city like New York or Los Angeles. Estate shutter installation in Mobile, Alabama, for example, costs anywhere from $1,695 to $2,245, whereas the same type of installation in Salt Lake City, Utah, may cost $2,000 to $2,780. 

Labor 

While budgeting for this project, it’s important to factor in the cost of shutters themselves as well as the labor to install them. Shutter installation companies can charge anywhere from $20 to $45 per square foot, or an average of $2,700 including materials. This will largely depend on how labor-intensive the task is and how long it takes for them to complete the job. Multiple estimates can help determine the average price you can expect to pay.

Cost to DIY Shutter Install

The most simple way to DIY shutter installation is to buy a kit that comes with the right size shutters as well as the hardware for installation. This costs anywhere from $290 to $440 per kit, depending on the size of your window. If you don’t use a kit, you’ll need to buy several materials, including: 

• Screws 

• Hinges 

• End/side brackets 

• Wall anchors 

• Shims 

• Silicone caulk 

These items can add up to about $50 per window and do not include the price of the shutters themselves. 

DIY Shutter Installation vs. Hiring a Professional

Although it’s tempting to forgo labor fees and do this job yourself, it’s best left to a shutter installer near you. They’ll know exactly what size panel you need for windows and doors and have all the necessary tools to install the shutters correctly and efficiently. If you have experience with fitting window treatments, you may be more adept at this DIY. Otherwise, it’s a job better suited for a professional. 

FAQs

Are estate shutters worth it? 

Because they are made of more substantial materials, estate shutters often last longer than less expensive window treatments like blinds or shades. Although they are more expensive, these shutters are built to block heat and light, which can also lower the energy costs of your home. Depending on your budget, estate shutters are definitely worth it if your goal is to improve the design of your home while also having quality window coverings for years to come. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of estate shutters?

The advantages of estate shutters are plentiful—they’re stylish, high-quality, energy efficient, and durable window coverings. However, the main disadvantage associated with these timeless accents is the price tag. Estate shutters are not only more expensive by themselves, but they’re also pricey to install. It can take up to two hours to install shutters in just one window, which is where the cost of labor starts to add up. A pair of estate shutters can cost $100 to $200 for installation, which gets costly if your home has a lot of windows. 

What is the difference between shutters and estate shutters?

Traditional shutters were created for smaller windows in kitchens and baths, and usually have smaller louvers compared to estate shutters. Estate shutters are better for larger windows, especially for windows at the front of the home since they allow for more privacy. Estate shutters have bigger louvers and can control the amount of light that enters the room more easily.